First-hand accounts from refugees, volunteers, and partners
Discover first-hand accounts of refugees rebuilding their careers in the UK. Volunteers supporting our mission. And partners working alongside Breaking Barriers to create inclusive workplaces and workforces.
Ruby* reflects on the resilience needed to overcome rejection and challenges as a sanctuary seeker.
Language restores identity to refugees, helping people find their voice, confidence and future.
Experienced accountant Tetiana was unsure how to restart her career in the UK, until a bursary from Kaplan opened up a dream training opportunity.
Ukrainian doctor, Maryna, shares her journey of rebuilding her healthcare career in the UK, with the help of our Language and Re-accreditation Programmes.
A Breaking Barriers’ client writes about his aspiration to transfer his extensive professional experience to the energy transition sector.
Marina shares her story of how she overcame job-hunting challenges, with support from Breaking Barriers.
Charles Bland, chair of the Belpech Trust, discusses the organisation’s commitment to support forcibly displaced people to build new lives.
As a refugee, working towards long-term goals takes a strong mindset and the resilience to overcome challenges, says Baldomero.
To celebrate World Refugee Day, and the theme of Community as a Superpower, Lived Experience Consultant Nanou reflects on her story and what community means to her.
Hiliary Jenkins, Sustainability Business Partner at IKEA UK & Ireland, discusses Breaking Barriers’ impact on its global refugee employment programme.
Thomas shares his story of gaining employment at IKEA, building his confidence and establishing a new life in the UK.
Laura Mountain, Head of Foundation, Social Value and Sustainability at City & Guilds Foundation, discusses the organisation’s commitment to supporting refugees into employment.
From ballroom dancing champion to HR consultant, Viktor shares his story of building a new life, in a new country.
Engineer and management consultant, Jolie Powell, shares her experience of volunteering to support refugees into meaningful employment.
Oleksii shares his story of resilience and ambition as he rebuilds his life and legal career in the UK.
Hani Kablawi, our former trustee and Head of International at BNY, talks about the importance of meaningful employment.
Mika, a member of our Lived Experience Panel, shares her experience of coming to the UK and her dreams for the future.
Our work with the North West RSMP has been central to supporting Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders in Greater Manchester. Joseph Sheehan and Mandira Hughes reflect on the collaboration.
From asylum seeker to engineering professional, Ahmed's story shows how meaningful employment can pave the way to freedom and confidence.
The Clothworkers’ Foundation has played a fundamental role in the growth of Breaking Barriers’ scale and impact over recent years. Nelly Koko-Konan, the foundation’s Proactive Programmes Manager, reflects on the relationship between the two organisations.
Marsha, a former member of our Lived Experience Panel, reflects on how Breaking Barriers’ support led her to gain confidence and essential employability skills.
Stay up to date with all our latest stories.
This National Mentoring Month, our Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara, reflects on how mentoring empowers refugees with confidence and professional insight to support their employment journey.
In partnership with Birmingham City Council, Breaking Barriers has launched a programme to support refugees to build skills, confidence and connect with local community networks.
Re-accreditation journeys are expensive and arduous, but Kaplan is helping refugee accountants to break down barriers and kick-start their careers in the UK.
